Pump It Up

My mom’s been telling me this forever, but it’s been nice to get confirmation from elsewhere that walking is a perfectly healthy and legit form of exercise. In fact, quite a bit of research has shown that walking provides the same level of benefits as running, but with half the detrimental physical impact. This is good news for someone like myself who A) Hates running and B) Has asthma. But I know that some of you out there might still lament that it just doesn’t feel like you’re doing enough when you’re walking. Enter today’s gift idea.

BungyPump is a Swedish fitness sensation that takes your walk in the park to a serious, calorie-burning workout. How does it work, you ask? Essentially your walk is enhanced through the use of a set of walking sticks – not unlike ski poles – that have a built-in suspension (or bungy) section. That springy suspension area provides resistance as you push the poles into the ground – anywhere from 8 lbs all the way up to 22 lbs, depending on what model you buy. The result is a total body workout – your legs are already busy working because you’re walking, but by getting your arms in on the action, the overall impact is up to 77% greater than just walking on your own.

BungyPump Slimline – $139

What’s great about BungyPump is how much fun they are to use. Walking – while a good form of exercise – shouldn’t feel super laborious. Otherwise, why would you ever set food outside? The BungyPump poles are fantastic because they keep you focused and energized during your walk, instead of maybe just listlessly meandering down the sidewalk or path you’re on.

BungyPump Power – $169

BungyPump – unlike traditional walking poles – are designed for all ages and all levels of fitness. They’re great for seniors looking to put a little spring in their step, those who are recovering from an injury, or anyone simply looking for a moderate level of exercise. But as I mentioned, BungyPump poles do come in various resistance levels, so even seasoned athletes can find a challenging level to work from. The BungyPump Power (pictured above) has 22 lbs of resistance for you to push against, meaning even the most in-shape gym rat will feel the burn after a mile or two with these by their side.

BungyPump Energy – $159

Another pro to buying a product that’s been developed and manufactured in Sweden? It’s good for all seasons and all terrains – a must-have in our frigid Canadian climate. I know that sometimes in the winter it can be a serious slog to imagine packing up your gym gear and getting onto a treadmill. That’s why I always advocate you have at least some form of at-home activity that you can simply pick up and go with, like a set of BungyPump poles. The Energy model pictured above is for middle-of-the-road fitness buffs that are ready to advance beyond the beginner poles, with 13.2 lbs of resistance. On a brisk day, simply grab your sticks and a good pair of walking shoes and hit the pavement. Heck, they’re even great to pack up if you’re going on a hike through one of Canada’s endless beautiful trails. BungyPump actually has a travel-size hiking pole you may want to look into.

But what about the days when it is -35 or raining or just downright miserable outside? Well, you can actually use your BungyPump poles inside as a form of resistance / balance training supports. Try hanging onto your poles while doing lunges, squats, and other common muscle-targeting exercises and you’ll be surprised at how challenging it can be. Want to see BungyPump in action? Check out this awesome training video.

BungyPump poles would make a fantastic gift for anyone that’s looking to get in shape after a dry spell of no exercise – like your new mom friend, or your parent that’s been recuperating after a surgery. They’re also an awesome pick for whoever you like to walk with – your neighbour, your spouse, your best friend, the ladies in your walking group, you name it. Once you give it a whirl, I promise you’ll both enjoy the experience and be psyched to spread the word. BungyPump is available online at BungyPumpUS.com, which does indeed ship to Canada for plenty reasonable rates. With Christmas on the horizon, take a look at these for any fitness-minded friends – they’ll love ’em!

Finally, I’ve got some great news! We’re giving away a set of BungyPump poles of the winner’s choice. Interested in getting more fit, one step at a time? Here’s how to enter for your chance to win:

1) Visit the BungyPump website and then leave me a comment by midnight on November 5, 2014 – which set of BungyPump poles would you like to try?

2) Entries are limited to one per person / per email address / per household (or more if you score bonus entries). A random draw will be conducted on or around November 6, 2014 to select the winner(s), who will have 48 hours to respond before another winner is chosen in their place.

3) Entries are limited to Canadians that have reached the age of majority in their province. Quebec is not eligible for this promotion.

4) Bonus Entry: Like BungyPump US on Facebook and leave a comment telling them why you’d love to try BungyPump! Link back to your wall post in a separate comment below (learn how here). Ta-dah! You’ve scored an extra entry into the draw.

What a simple, effective way to get more out of your walk. Great site & very informative!
Would love to try the BumgyPUmp energy poles. Have a variety of health problems,and walking is really the best for me. Also, am a bit of a homebody, these would force me outside to walk more!

I am a senior with many health problems. I was restricted to bed with arthritis until I started moving. I walked to our community mailbox. Three houses from mine. It took me 10 min. using a walker and carrying oxygen with me. I stopped 6 X per walk. Now with the same equipment I can walk one block with one stop. I think I would like to try your product if I can find a small enough oxygen tank @3L to carry. It took me 10 months to make this progress. It seems to have helped a lot….moving and I would like to see if your sticks can help my progress. Do you think the oxygen tank would interfere if I carried it over my shoulders. Or would it put too much pressure on my back muscles? I would like to win a Bungee Pump Slimline or Bungee Pump Number One for rehabilitation. My husband hikes weekly during the winter and many people in the group use your product and are very pleased with it sticks. Maybe I will see if my husband might use them. Most of the people in his hiking group are quite adept at walking for 1 1/2 hrs up and down hills in the woods. They seem very happy with your sticks and more and more of the group are using them.

I think I’d choose the BungyPump Energy. The look they’re they’re the middle ground between beginner and expert and that sounds perfect to me. That way i can use them and the boyfriend should be able to also.